Jim Pritchard
Jim Pritchard
Passed Away April 11th/2011
Was Past County Master
The members of the Orange family in the Toronto area were saddened by the passing of Worshipful Brother James Pritchard on April 11th of this year.
Jim was born in England in 1921 and came as a youth with his family to the Burk’s Falls – Magnetawan area of North Muskoka, where his father gained employ in local lumber camps. Jim joined a local Orange Lodge as a teen in the late 1930’s. At the outbreak of World War II Jim returned to England to enlist. His war years were spent as a commando in the Royal Marines and Jim saw active service in both Italy and Germany. Following the War Jim Pritchard returned to Canada. He had retired many years ago from the Toronto Brick Company.
Jim Pritchard had a lengthy and distinguished record of service within the Orange Family. In 1959 he served as Worshipful Master of Tobermore L.O.L.2391 in Toronto and was the Secretary of the same lodge during the years 1972 to 1998 inclusive. In 2012 Tobermore Lodge will celebrate its 100th Anniversary and Jim Pritchard was a member of that lodge for over 1/2 of the lodge’s existence and their Recording Secretary for more than ¼ of the lodge’s history. Jim was always an active member and office holder in Toronto’s Western District L.O.L. and in 1988 – 89 was elected to the office of Toronto County Master. In the Black Institution Jim was a Past Preceptor of Victory R.B.P.420 and at the time of his passing was a member of Temple R.B.P.292. Held in great esteem by his fellow Black Knights, Jim was made an Honorary Sir Knight of the Grand Black Chapter of British America.
Despite his being a double amputee Jim was a fighter to the end and his positive spirit and attitude will be sorely missed.
His passing was at Sunnybrook Hospital’s Veterans Wing and Jim would have been ninety years of age this coming October. He left a daughter and grandchildren, all of New Jersey, U.S.A. His late wife, Francis, was a prominent member of the Ladies Orange Benevolent Association.
Submitted by John Wells – County Secretary – June 16/2011
Appeared in 2011 County Parade Programme
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